Media & Communications Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Editor Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median editor salary in Los Angeles, CA is $106,697 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$106,697
vs State Avg
+$5,847
vs National
+$33,617
Cost of Living
146%

Editor Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median editor salary of $106,697, which is $5,847 above the California state average of $100,850. Compared to the national median of $73,080, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $106,697 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $73,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for editors in Los Angeles spans from $58,400 at the 10th percentile to $192,720 at the 90th percentile — a $134,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,320, while senior editors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,500. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Editor Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level editor earns around $61,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,320
+$19,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,500
+$34,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,500
+$57,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $58,400
25th Percentile $77,380
Median (50th) $106,697
75th Percentile $143,080
90th Percentile $192,720

Editor Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$133,006
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$122,774
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$103,774
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$86,234
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Editor in Los Angeles

Education

Most editor positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EditingAP/Chicago StyleCMS PlatformsContent StrategyFact-CheckingCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, editor employment is projected to grow -5% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Editor Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open editor positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Editor Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Editor make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median editor salary in Los Angeles, California is $106,697 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $73,080. Salaries range from $58,400 (10th percentile) to $192,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Editor make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,697, a editor in Los Angeles earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for editor pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median editor salary of $106,697 is 5.8% above the California state average of $100,850. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a editor salary of $106,697 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a editor in Los Angeles? ▼
Most editor positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Editing, AP/Chicago Style, CMS Platforms, Content Strategy. The job market is projected to grow -5% nationally over the next decade.